WELSH Water has completed a £924,000 investment scheme to upgrade the waste water treatment works at Moreton-on-Lugg.

The project, which started in June last year, included the installation of a new inlet works to remove debris and solids which pollute the environment.

It also involved the upgrading and automation of the primary treatment stage, the construction of new storm tanks with a more efficient cleaning system to reduce the possibility of odours developing and the upgrading of the final stage pumping system.

Welsh Water's investment manager, Andrew Bowen, said: "This vital investment of almost a million pounds will benefit Moreton-on-Lugg, Marden, Sutton St Nicholas and Wellington, which are all served by this treatment works.

"The scheme will benefit the environment and ensure we are able to meet the stringent compliance conditions of both UK and European legislation in the future."

The investment follows the completion of the £15 million rebuilding of Broomy Hill water treatment works in Hereford, and the upgrading last year of 149,000 metres of water main in the county.

The project is part of Welsh Water's £1.2 billion investment programme in its water and sewerage infrastructure from 2000 to 2005.

The scheme is being delivered by Black and Veatch Contracting Ltd and AMEC Group Ltd, members of the Welsh Water Capital Alliance.

The alliance is a strategic partnering team, made up of specialist engineering and construction companies, formed to deliver around 60 per cent of Welsh Water's capital investment programme during 2000 to 2005.